Abstract A fluid heater is provided for heating dielectric fluids such as water, solutions and gaseous substances utilizing microwave energy. The apparatus consists of a vessel or tank having therein a microwave resonant chamber and a source of microwave energy. The vessel is provided with an inlet for admitting fluid, an outlet for heated fluid and temperature and pressure controls responsive to conditions within the vessel for heating the fluids to a predetermined desired degree. The microwave energy is directed by a wave guide within the vessel for obtaining maximum thermal efficiency. The heater finds utility in the heating of buildings, vehicles and other installations requiring use of a heated fluid and the heater produces no atmospheric or other pollutants in use.
A system for heating dielectric fluids, including bottom, top, and spaced side wall means defining a fluid receiving vessel, fluid inlet means communicating with one side wall means, fluid outlet means communicating with another side walL means, a source of microwave energy operatively associated with the top wall means, wave guide means of electrically conductive material extending downwardly from said top wall means and including diverging wall means having a substantial vertical extent in relation to the vertical extent of said vessel side wall means and terminating below the level of said fluid inlet means so as to direct said microwave energy directly into fluid within said vessel, another fluid outlet means communicating with said vessel above the level of said fluid inlet means, control means responsive to temperature conditions within said vessel for controlling the source of microwave energy and means for regulating the flow of fluid into said vessel.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
151 words
A system for heating dielectric fluids, including bottom, top, and spaced side wall means defining a fluid receiving vessel, fluid inlet means communicating with one side wall means, fluid outlet means communicating with another side walL means, a source of microwave energy operatively associated with the top wall means, wave guide means of electrically conductive material extending downwardly from said top wall means and including diverging wall means having a substantial vertical extent in relation to the vertical extent of said vessel side wall means and terminating below the level of said fluid inlet means so as to direct said microwave energy directly into fluid within said vessel, another fluid outlet means communicating with said vessel above the level of said fluid inlet means, control means responsive to temperature conditions within said vessel for controlling the source of microwave energy and means for regulating the flow of fluid into said vessel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The fluid heater set forth in claim 1 wherein said wave guide means comprises a pyramidal shaped guide of electrically conductive material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The fluid heater set forth in claim 1 including fluid level control means in said vessel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The fluid heater set forth in claim 3 wherein said wave guide extends below the level of said level control means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The fluid heater set forth in claim 1 including microwave deflecting means in said fluid inlet means and first-mentioned outlet means for containing microwave energy within said vessel.